This is a short follow up to Sam Harris’ The End of Faith. This is his response to many of the letters he received from angry readers, particularly Christians (although this applies to those of all faiths). The focus is on arguing against many of the Christian rights’ beliefs and reasoning why these beliefs by necessity should be kept out of public policy. This is concise and well written, and was an excellent way to handle many of the responses he received and make their arguments public-and then break them apart using the very sources they were using to solidify their arguments.

This book posed a lot of interesting questions about Progress and the future of religion. What are the issues that people who have “faith” must face to continue to believe? He separates people into Religious Moderates and Religious Extremists, and discusses both thoroughly and coherently. Moderates must pick and choose their beliefs because today’s society conflicts with our basic religious texts. Religious Extremists put too much faith in the literal words of that text. What I like about Harris’ arguments is that he uses these doctrines themselves to argue against continuous unquestioning faith in written word over progress and reason. In the end, he suggests this unquestioning literal interpretation, as well as our conscious decision to ignore what we dislike about them, does more harm than good. A really interesting read. While you may not agree with his points, I think the questions he raises are valid, and makes you question and consider where you position yourself within this debate.

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